1. My topic is causes of WWI.
2. What I already know?
Who? Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. What? He was assinated. Where? Sarajevo.
years of 1914-? Why? I don't know. How? I don't know.
3. What I want to know (research topics):
Who? What else was happening
EVERYTHING!!!!
4. My Research strategy:
who? I'll ask Mrs. Horn and Ms. Bream for help in locating information. i could ask Ms. Brolan or Mr. D. I could ask the public librarian as well.
what? Expert websites, databases, encyclopedias, books, and textbooks.
when? During the class period or outside of school.
where? The CTMS and public library, on any other computer for online resources.
How? I'll use my thesis statemant and research questions to figure out what to look for and what to take notes on.
Draft The Causes that began the Great War were a result of the mulitude of discomfort due to the tensions that left the European Powers defenseful and anxiously awaiting for battle. In the beginning the powers experienced many things that added to their anxiety towards one another. It is because of this that the great nations began crumbling down on each other and started the World War I.
Nationalism means being a strong supporter of the rights and interests of one's country. So, aiming to sort out problems in Europe, delegates from Britain, Austria, Prussia and Russia (the winning allies) decided on a fixed new Europe that left Germany and Italy as separated states. However, strong nationalism led to the re-unification of Italy in 1861 and Germany in 1871. Though the resolution that left France angry at the loss of Alsace-Lorraine to Germany and determined to regain their lost territory, was at the end of the Franco-Prussian War. Which led to large differing nationalist groups, who wanted freedom from states of which they lived in, in both Austria-Hungary and Serbia. (Nationalism;no author)
There were two kinds of nationalism in 19th Century Europe that impacted this cause:
(i) the desire of a nation's people for independence -
It led to a series of national struggles for independence among the Balkan peoples. Other powers got involved and caused uncertainty among themselves.
(ii) the desire of dominance and prestige for independent nations - ("World War I." Corner)
As nationalism grew, the powers try to dominate each other in Europe, their rivalries may be regarded as one of the causes of the First World War.
Then, when everything was calming... somewhat, economic conflicts presented themselves between Britain and Germany from 1890 onwards. Germany had been undergoing a time of rapid industrialization since 1870, and by 1890 the products she created were competing against Britain and its manufactures globally, and by doing so, it threatened Britain's trade. ("World War I." Corner)
It was not only Germany and Britain though; struggles between France and Germany sprang up as well, when France began competing with Germany in Morocco for the riches in mineral resources. Since, in fact, Germany had previously taken over two of Frances leading coal provinces- Alsace and Lorraine, in 1870.
Germany and Austria had also been having rivalries with Russia in the Balkans for commercial privileges. Early on (1888) Germany had begun to build a railroad in the area, while Austria thought of the area as a investment and as a large market for manufactured goods. However, Russia had hoped to control the area for, half of her exports passed through there.
A minor cause, though, economic rivalries were, however a considerable part in creating tensions between the great European powers. ("World War I." Corner)
But it didn't end at economic rivalries; Colonial rivalry was another cause of the Great War. By the European nations acquiring colonies, the colonies acceleration onto multiplying growth, and reaching its height of growth between 1895-1905; all added to the European tensions amongst the powers. Tensions at first because all of the Powers had colonies in Africa (except Austria and Russia), many disputes between the colonies strained relations among the powers and created clashes with many of the powers themselves. Which also led indirectly to the formation and strengthening of alliances and ententes, allowing many accusations and aggressiveness to be made amongst each of the Powers in turn. So because of the many accusations being made, the Powers intensified their arms race. Making more battleships for Germany, and a stronger navy. As these colonial tensions increased yet more, it came to hostility among the powers, where war was threatened in both the first and second Moroccan crisis.("World War I." Corner)
Between 1904-07, Britain, France and Russia were able to arrange their colonial differences into the Anglo-French Entente and the Anglo-Russian Entente, therefore creating little issues within the colonies after 1905. By 1914 colonial conflicts had greatly diminished, having little to do with the outburst of the First World War. ("World War I." Corner)
The alliance systems between nations were another cause of the First World War. (Karpilovsky, Suzanne, Maria Fogel, and Olivia Kobelt)
At first, an air of suspicion flew through the European Powers, preventing their diplomats to create a solution to the many problems between them, as alliances were made in secret.
Then, because each country figured that other alliances were being made behind their back, the apprehension between them heightened as war was on the brink. Arms races were being constructed and the European Powers were ready for war in 1914.
Thirdly, since the European powers had made alliances with one another, a small dispute with one power might lead to a war involving all powers.
Also, the many alliances that were made, began changing charater like the Austro-German alliance of 1879 that was so modified that it had become an aggressive alliance, the German government had promised to give military aid to Austria-Hungary. However, if Austria invaded Serbia, Russia intervened on behalf of the latter. As alliances had become instruments of national aggression, the chances of war doubled.
However, the omation of the Triple Entente, Germany, feeling a threat to her security, let the German press loudly talk about "encirclement", or being surrounded on all sides by enemies. This introduced William II to produce an aggressive foreign policy as an attempt to break the unity of the Entente powers. This resulted in a series of international crises from 1905 to 1914. ("World War I." Corner)
With the rapid increase of tensions, many nations turned to militarism. Militarism, an increase in military and naval forces, became more influential on the military men upon the policies of the civilian government, and a preference for force as a solution to problems. Militarism was one of the main causes of the First World War, as it increased military and navel rivalries, which led to the belief war was coming and even more expansion in military forces. Militarism effected civilian government by (like in Germany) making the parliament and politicians follow the General Staff. They had no say in the army's design so the Fatherland would be protected, and was accepted by the German civilians as the war plan. ("World War I." Corner)
June 28, 1914, Archduke Francis Ferdinand, heir to the Austrian throne, and his wife were shot dead by a Serbian nationalist of the Black Hand at Sarajevo. The Serbian Black Hand assassinated the Archduke Ferdinand because the Archduke wanted to convert the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy (the Dual Monarchy) into a Triple Monarchy with Serbia. Though the Serbians might acquire some say within the new Monarchy, it'd ruin their desire to create a united Serbian state. The assassination was the final phase of tensions and it led to the eruption of the Great World War. ("World War I." Corner)
*Add good conclusion sentence here*
"WWI." //Britannica Concise Encyclopedia//. N.p., 2010. Web. 26 Mar. 2010.
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Thesis
No thesis.
Thesis is present in introductory paragraph but is not well-written.
Thesis included in introductory paragraph is satisfactory if a bit obvious.
Thesis included in introductory paragraph is well-written and interesting.
4
Flow
Paper is difficult to read and understand.
Paper is full of short, choppy sentences and topic shifts with no transitions.
Some use of transitional words and phrases but the paper is a bit choppy at times.
Use of transitional words and phrases as well as topic sentences makes the paper easy to read from start to finish.
4
Quotes/
Paraphrase
No quotes or paraphrasing used.
Very few quotes or paraphrases included, no parenthetical references.
Some errors in quoting or paraphrasing and/or a few missing parenthetical references.
Several quotes and paraphrased pieces of information in each body paragraph, all with parenthetical references.
4
Commentary / “My Ideas”
No commentary.
Commentary lacking in a few places.
Commentary included with each quote or paraphrase, but it is a bit obvious or repetitive.
Thoughtful commentary included with each quote or paraphrase.
4
Works Cited
No works cited page included.
Works cited page is included but there are several errors.
Works cited page is included but there are a few formatting errors.
Works cited page is included and is correctly formatted.
4
Conventions
Difficult to understand.
Several errors.
A few errors.
Little to no errors in grammar, spelling or punctuation.
4
1
2
3
4
Score
Thesis
No thesis.
Thesis is present in introductory paragraph but is not well-written.
Thesis included in introductory paragraph is satisfactory if a bit obvious.
Thesis included in introductory paragraph is well-written and interesting.
4
Flow
Paper is difficult to read and understand.
Paper is full of short, choppy sentences and topic shifts with no transitions.
Some use of transitional words and phrases but the paper is a bit choppy at times.
Use of transitional words and phrases as well as topic sentences makes the paper easy to read from start to finish.
4
Quotes/
Paraphrase
No quotes or paraphrasing used.
Very few quotes or paraphrases included, no parenthetical references.
Some errors in quoting or paraphrasing and/or a few missing parenthetical references.
Several quotes and paraphrased pieces of information in each body paragraph, all with parenthetical references.
4
Commentary / “My Ideas”
No commentary.
Commentary lacking in a few places.
Commentary included with each quote or paraphrase, but it is a bit obvious or repetitive.
Thoughtful commentary included with each quote or paraphrase.
4
Works Cited
No works cited page included.
Works cited page is included but there are several errors.
Works cited page is included but there are a few formatting errors.
Works cited page is included and is correctly formatted.
4
Conventions
Difficult to understand.
Several errors.
A few errors.
Little to no errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation. 4
Maddie Hughes
Horn 1
April 16, 2010
Causes of World War I
The Causes that began the Great War were a result of the multitude of discomfort due to the tensions that left the European Powers defensive and anxiously awaiting for battle. In the beginning the powers experienced many things that added to their anxiety towards one another. It is because of this that the great nations began crumbling down on each other and started the World War I.
Nationalism means being a strong supporter of the rights and interests of one's country. So, aiming to sort out problems in Europe, delegates from Britain, Austria, Prussia and Russia (the winning allies) decided on a fixed new Europe that left Germany and Italy as separated states. However, strong nationalism led to the re-unification of Italy in 1861 and Germany in 1871. Though the resolution that left France angry at the loss of Alsace-Lorraine to Germany and determined to regain their lost territory, was at the end of the Franco-Prussian War. Which led to large differing nationalist groups, who wanted freedom from states of which they lived in, in both Austria-Hungary and Serbia. (Nationalism; no author) There were two kinds of nationalism in 19th Century Europe that impacted this cause. The first was the desire of a nation's people for independence - it led to a series of national struggles for independence among the Balkan peoples. Other powers got involved and caused uncertainty among them; the second was the desire of dominance and prestige for independent nations. - ("World War I." Corner) As nationalism grew, the powers try to dominate each other in Europe; their rivalries may be regarded as one of the causes of the First World War.
Then, when everything was calming... somewhat, economic conflicts presented themselves between Britain and Germany from 1890 onwards. Germany had been undergoing a time of rapid industrialization since 1870, and by 1890 the products she created were competing against Britain and its manufactures globally, and by doing so, it threatened Britain's trade. ("World War I." Corner) It was not only Germany and Britain though; struggles between France and Germany sprang up as well, when France began competing with Germany in Morocco for the riches in mineral resources. Since, in fact, Germany had previously taken over two of Frances leading coal provinces- Alsace and Lorraine, in 1870. Germany and Austria had also been having rivalries with Russia in the Balkans for commercial privileges. Early on (1888) Germany had begun to build a railroad in the area, while Austria thought of the area as an investment and as a large market for manufactured goods. However, Russia had hoped to control the area for, half of her exports passed through there. A minor cause, though, economic rivalries were, however a considerable part in creating tensions between the great European powers. ("World War I." Corner)
But it didn't end at economic rivalries; Colonial rivalry was another cause of the Great War. By the European nations acquiring colonies, the colonies acceleration onto multiplying growth, and reaching its height of growth between 1895-1905; all added to the European tensions amongst the powers. Tensions at first because all of the Powers had colonies in Africa (except Austria and Russia), many disputes between the colonies strained relations among the powers and created clashes with many of the powers themselves. Which also led indirectly to the formation and strengthening of alliances and ententes, allowing many accusations and aggressiveness to be made amongst each of the Powers in turn. So because of the many accusations being made, the Powers intensified their arms race. Making more battleships for Germany, and a stronger navy. As these colonial tensions increased yet more, it came to hostility among the powers, where war was threatened in both the first and second Moroccan crisis. ("World War I." Corner) Between 1904-07, Britain, France and Russia were able to arrange their colonial differences into the Anglo-French Entente and the Anglo-Russian Entente, therefore creating little issues within the colonies after 1905. By 1914 colonial conflicts had greatly diminished, having little to do with the outburst of the First World War. ("World War I." Corner)
The alliance systems between nations were another cause of the First World War. (Karpilovsky, Suzanne, Maria Fogel, and Olivia Kobelt) At first, an air of suspicion flew through the European Powers, preventing their diplomats to create a solution to the many problems between them, as alliances were made in secret. Then, because each country figured that other alliances were being made behind their back, the apprehension between them heightened as war was on the brink. Arms races were being constructed and the European Powers were ready for war in 1914. Thirdly, since the European powers had made alliances with one another, a small dispute with one power might lead to a war involving all powers. Also, the many alliances that were made, began changing character like the Austro-German alliance of 1879 that was so modified that it had become an aggressive alliance, the German government had promised to give military aid to Austria-Hungary. However, if Austria invaded Serbia, Russia intervened on behalf of the latter. As alliances had become instruments of national aggression, the chances of war doubled.
However, even with the position of the Triple Entente, Germany, feeling a threat to her security, let the German press loudly talk about "encirclement", or being surrounded on all sides by enemies. This introduced William II to produce an aggressive foreign policy as an attempt to break the unity of the Entente powers. This resulted in a series of international crises from 1905 to 1914. ("World War I." Corner)
With the rapid increase of tensions, many nations turned to militarism. Militarism, an increase in military and naval forces, became more influential on the military men upon the policies of the civilian government, and a preference for force as a solution to problems. Militarism was one of the main causes of the First World War, as it increased military and navel rivalries, which led to the belief war was coming and even more expansion in military forces. Militarism effected civilian government by (like in Germany) making the parliament and politicians follow the General Staff. They had no say in the army's design so the Fatherland would be protected, and was accepted by the German civilians as the war plan. ("World War I." Corner)
June 28, 1914, Archduke Francis Ferdinand, heir to the Austrian throne, and his wife were shot dead by a Serbian nationalist of the Black Hand at Sarajevo. The Serbian Black Hand assassinated the Archduke Ferdinand because the Archduke wanted to convert the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy (the Dual Monarchy) into a Triple Monarchy with Serbia. Though the Serbians might acquire some say within the new Monarchy, it'd ruin their desire to create a united Serbian state. The assassination was the final phase of tensions and it led to the eruption of the Great World War. ("World War I." Corner) Works Cited · Causes of WW1. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Apr. 2010. http://www.Historyonthenet.com. · Encyclopedia W-X-Y-Z. Danbury, Connecticut: Grolier In., 1996. Print. · Karpilovsky, Suzanne, Maria Fogel, and Olivia Kobelt. "Causes of World War I." The Great War Causes. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Jan. 1996. http://www.cusd.chico.k12.ca.us/~bsilva/projects/great_war/causes.htm. · Timelines of History. Danbury, Connecticut: Grolier, 2005. Print. · "World War I." Corner. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Jan. 2007. http://www.thecorner.org/hist/wwi/index.htm. · "WWI." Britannica Concise Encyclopedia//. N.p., 2010. Web. 26 Mar. 2010.
1. My topic is causes of WWI.
2. What I already know?
Who? Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne.
What? He was assinated.
Where? Sarajevo.
years of 1914-?
Why? I don't know.
How? I don't know.
3. What I want to know (research topics):
Who? What else was happening
EVERYTHING!!!!
4. My Research strategy:
DraftThe Causes that began the Great War were a result of the mulitude of discomfort due to the tensions that left the European Powers defenseful and anxiously awaiting for battle. In the beginning the powers experienced many things that added to their anxiety towards one another. It is because of this that the great nations began crumbling down on each other and started the World War I.
Nationalism means being a strong supporter of the rights and interests of one's country. So, aiming to sort out problems in Europe, delegates from Britain, Austria, Prussia and Russia (the winning allies) decided on a fixed new Europe that left Germany and Italy as separated states. However, strong nationalism led to the re-unification of Italy in 1861 and Germany in 1871. Though the resolution that left France angry at the loss of Alsace-Lorraine to Germany and determined to regain their lost territory, was at the end of the Franco-Prussian War. Which led to large differing nationalist groups, who wanted freedom from states of which they lived in, in both Austria-Hungary and Serbia. (Nationalism;no author)
There were two kinds of nationalism in 19th Century Europe that impacted this cause:
(i) the desire of a nation's people for independence -
It led to a series of national struggles for independence among the Balkan peoples. Other powers got involved and caused uncertainty among themselves.
(ii) the desire of dominance and prestige for independent nations - ("World War I." Corner)
As nationalism grew, the powers try to dominate each other in Europe, their rivalries may be regarded as one of the causes of the First World War.
Then, when everything was calming... somewhat, economic conflicts presented themselves between Britain and Germany from 1890 onwards. Germany had been undergoing a time of rapid industrialization since 1870, and by 1890 the products she created were competing against Britain and its manufactures globally, and by doing so, it threatened Britain's trade. ("World War I." Corner)
It was not only Germany and Britain though; struggles between France and Germany sprang up as well, when France began competing with Germany in Morocco for the riches in mineral resources. Since, in fact, Germany had previously taken over two of Frances leading coal provinces- Alsace and Lorraine, in 1870.
Germany and Austria had also been having rivalries with Russia in the Balkans for commercial privileges. Early on (1888) Germany had begun to build a railroad in the area, while Austria thought of the area as a investment and as a large market for manufactured goods. However, Russia had hoped to control the area for, half of her exports passed through there.
A minor cause, though, economic rivalries were, however a considerable part in creating tensions between the great European powers. ("World War I." Corner)
But it didn't end at economic rivalries; Colonial rivalry was another cause of the Great War. By the European nations acquiring colonies, the colonies acceleration onto multiplying growth, and reaching its height of growth between 1895-1905; all added to the European tensions amongst the powers. Tensions at first because all of the Powers had colonies in Africa (except Austria and Russia), many disputes between the colonies strained relations among the powers and created clashes with many of the powers themselves. Which also led indirectly to the formation and strengthening of alliances and ententes, allowing many accusations and aggressiveness to be made amongst each of the Powers in turn. So because of the many accusations being made, the Powers intensified their arms race. Making more battleships for Germany, and a stronger navy. As these colonial tensions increased yet more, it came to hostility among the powers, where war was threatened in both the first and second Moroccan crisis.("World War I." Corner)
Between 1904-07, Britain, France and Russia were able to arrange their colonial differences into the Anglo-French Entente and the Anglo-Russian Entente, therefore creating little issues within the colonies after 1905. By 1914 colonial conflicts had greatly diminished, having little to do with the outburst of the First World War. ("World War I." Corner)
The alliance systems between nations were another cause of the First World War. (Karpilovsky, Suzanne, Maria Fogel, and Olivia Kobelt)
At first, an air of suspicion flew through the European Powers, preventing their diplomats to create a solution to the many problems between them, as alliances were made in secret.
Then, because each country figured that other alliances were being made behind their back, the apprehension between them heightened as war was on the brink. Arms races were being constructed and the European Powers were ready for war in 1914.
Thirdly, since the European powers had made alliances with one another, a small dispute with one power might lead to a war involving all powers.
Also, the many alliances that were made, began changing charater like the Austro-German alliance of 1879 that was so modified that it had become an aggressive alliance, the German government had promised to give military aid to Austria-Hungary. However, if Austria invaded Serbia, Russia intervened on behalf of the latter. As alliances had become instruments of national aggression, the chances of war doubled.
However, the omation of the Triple Entente, Germany, feeling a threat to her security, let the German press loudly talk about "encirclement", or being surrounded on all sides by enemies. This introduced William II to produce an aggressive foreign policy as an attempt to break the unity of the Entente powers. This resulted in a series of international crises from 1905 to 1914. ("World War I." Corner)
With the rapid increase of tensions, many nations turned to militarism. Militarism, an increase in military and naval forces, became more influential on the military men upon the policies of the civilian government, and a preference for force as a solution to problems. Militarism was one of the main causes of the First World War, as it increased military and navel rivalries, which led to the belief war was coming and even more expansion in military forces. Militarism effected civilian government by (like in Germany) making the parliament and politicians follow the General Staff. They had no say in the army's design so the Fatherland would be protected, and was accepted by the German civilians as the war plan. ("World War I." Corner)
June 28, 1914, Archduke Francis Ferdinand, heir to the Austrian throne, and his wife were shot dead by a Serbian nationalist of the Black Hand at Sarajevo. The Serbian Black Hand assassinated the Archduke Ferdinand because the Archduke wanted to convert the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy (the Dual Monarchy) into a Triple Monarchy with Serbia. Though the Serbians might acquire some say within the new Monarchy, it'd ruin their desire to create a united Serbian state. The assassination was the final phase of tensions and it led to the eruption of the Great World War. ("World War I." Corner)
*Add good conclusion sentence here*
Causes of WW1. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Apr. 2010. <http://www.Historyonthenet.com>.
Paraphrase
Paraphrase
Maddie Hughes
Horn 1
April 16, 2010
Causes of World War I
The Causes that began the Great War were a result of the multitude of discomfort due to the tensions that left the European Powers defensive and anxiously awaiting for battle. In the beginning the powers experienced many things that added to their anxiety towards one another. It is because of this that the great nations began crumbling down on each other and started the World War I.
Nationalism means being a strong supporter of the rights and interests of one's country. So, aiming to sort out problems in Europe, delegates from Britain, Austria, Prussia and Russia (the winning allies) decided on a fixed new Europe that left Germany and Italy as separated states. However, strong nationalism led to the re-unification of Italy in 1861 and Germany in 1871. Though the resolution that left France angry at the loss of Alsace-Lorraine to Germany and determined to regain their lost territory, was at the end of the Franco-Prussian War. Which led to large differing nationalist groups, who wanted freedom from states of which they lived in, in both Austria-Hungary and Serbia. (Nationalism; no author) There were two kinds of nationalism in 19th Century Europe that impacted this cause. The first was the desire of a nation's people for independence - it led to a series of national struggles for independence among the Balkan peoples. Other powers got involved and caused uncertainty among them; the second was the desire of dominance and prestige for independent nations. - ("World War I." Corner) As nationalism grew, the powers try to dominate each other in Europe; their rivalries may be regarded as one of the causes of the First World War.
Then, when everything was calming... somewhat, economic conflicts presented themselves between Britain and Germany from 1890 onwards. Germany had been undergoing a time of rapid industrialization since 1870, and by 1890 the products she created were competing against Britain and its manufactures globally, and by doing so, it threatened Britain's trade. ("World War I." Corner) It was not only Germany and Britain though; struggles between France and Germany sprang up as well, when France began competing with Germany in Morocco for the riches in mineral resources. Since, in fact, Germany had previously taken over two of Frances leading coal provinces- Alsace and Lorraine, in 1870. Germany and Austria had also been having rivalries with Russia in the Balkans for commercial privileges. Early on (1888) Germany had begun to build a railroad in the area, while Austria thought of the area as an investment and as a large market for manufactured goods. However, Russia had hoped to control the area for, half of her exports passed through there. A minor cause, though, economic rivalries were, however a considerable part in creating tensions between the great European powers. ("World War I." Corner)
But it didn't end at economic rivalries; Colonial rivalry was another cause of the Great War. By the European nations acquiring colonies, the colonies acceleration onto multiplying growth, and reaching its height of growth between 1895-1905; all added to the European tensions amongst the powers. Tensions at first because all of the Powers had colonies in Africa (except Austria and Russia), many disputes between the colonies strained relations among the powers and created clashes with many of the powers themselves. Which also led indirectly to the formation and strengthening of alliances and ententes, allowing many accusations and aggressiveness to be made amongst each of the Powers in turn. So because of the many accusations being made, the Powers intensified their arms race. Making more battleships for Germany, and a stronger navy. As these colonial tensions increased yet more, it came to hostility among the powers, where war was threatened in both the first and second Moroccan crisis. ("World War I." Corner) Between 1904-07, Britain, France and Russia were able to arrange their colonial differences into the Anglo-French Entente and the Anglo-Russian Entente, therefore creating little issues within the colonies after 1905. By 1914 colonial conflicts had greatly diminished, having little to do with the outburst of the First World War. ("World War I." Corner)
The alliance systems between nations were another cause of the First World War. (Karpilovsky, Suzanne, Maria Fogel, and Olivia Kobelt) At first, an air of suspicion flew through the European Powers, preventing their diplomats to create a solution to the many problems between them, as alliances were made in secret. Then, because each country figured that other alliances were being made behind their back, the apprehension between them heightened as war was on the brink. Arms races were being constructed and the European Powers were ready for war in 1914. Thirdly, since the European powers had made alliances with one another, a small dispute with one power might lead to a war involving all powers. Also, the many alliances that were made, began changing character like the Austro-German alliance of 1879 that was so modified that it had become an aggressive alliance, the German government had promised to give military aid to Austria-Hungary. However, if Austria invaded Serbia, Russia intervened on behalf of the latter. As alliances had become instruments of national aggression, the chances of war doubled.
However, even with the position of the Triple Entente, Germany, feeling a threat to her security, let the German press loudly talk about "encirclement", or being surrounded on all sides by enemies. This introduced William II to produce an aggressive foreign policy as an attempt to break the unity of the Entente powers. This resulted in a series of international crises from 1905 to 1914. ("World War I." Corner)
With the rapid increase of tensions, many nations turned to militarism. Militarism, an increase in military and naval forces, became more influential on the military men upon the policies of the civilian government, and a preference for force as a solution to problems. Militarism was one of the main causes of the First World War, as it increased military and navel rivalries, which led to the belief war was coming and even more expansion in military forces. Militarism effected civilian government by (like in Germany) making the parliament and politicians follow the General Staff. They had no say in the army's design so the Fatherland would be protected, and was accepted by the German civilians as the war plan. ("World War I." Corner)
June 28, 1914, Archduke Francis Ferdinand, heir to the Austrian throne, and his wife were shot dead by a Serbian nationalist of the Black Hand at Sarajevo. The Serbian Black Hand assassinated the Archduke Ferdinand because the Archduke wanted to convert the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy (the Dual Monarchy) into a Triple Monarchy with Serbia. Though the Serbians might acquire some say within the new Monarchy, it'd ruin their desire to create a united Serbian state. The assassination was the final phase of tensions and it led to the eruption of the Great World War. ("World War I." Corner)
Works Cited
· Causes of WW1. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Apr. 2010. http://www.Historyonthenet.com.
· Encyclopedia W-X-Y-Z. Danbury, Connecticut: Grolier In., 1996. Print.
· Karpilovsky, Suzanne, Maria Fogel, and Olivia Kobelt. "Causes of World War I." The Great War Causes. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Jan. 1996. http://www.cusd.chico.k12.ca.us/~bsilva/projects/great_war/causes.htm.
· Timelines of History. Danbury, Connecticut: Grolier, 2005. Print.
· "World War I." Corner. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Jan. 2007.
http://www.thecorner.org/hist/wwi/index.htm.
· "WWI." Britannica Concise Encyclopedia//. N.p., 2010. Web. 26 Mar. 2010.